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Posted on: February 4, 2015

Nassau Jury Finds Hempstead Man Guilty on All Counts in Wife's Murder

Leonard Reed, 47, killed his wife and then fired shots at police officers responding to the scene.

Mineola, NY - Acting Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced that a Nassau jury found a Hempstead man guilty on all counts for killing his wife and then engaging in a shootout with police officers at her Hempstead home in February 2013.

Leonard Reed, 47, of Hempstead, was found guilty by the jury yesterday in a trial before Nassau County Court Judge Alan Honorof on the following grand jury charges:

Murder in the 2nd Degree (an A-I felony)

Attempted Murder in the 1st Degree (an A-I felony)

Two counts Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree (a C violentfelony)

Aggravated Criminal Contempt (a D felony)

Criminal Contempt in the 1st Degree (an E felony)

Three counts of Criminal Contempt in the 2nd Degree (an A misdemeanor)

The jury deliberated several hours at the end of a two-week trial. Reed faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison. He is due back in court for sentencing on April 22.

“This case is a sober reminder of the continuing problem of domestic violence, and the need for vigilance in our efforts to protect victims and bring abusers to justice,” Acting DA Singas said. “It is also a reminder of the dangers that our police officers face every day. The brave officers who faced the defendant’s gunfire and saved others from harm deserve our enduring gratitude.”

Acting DA Singas said that on Feb. 7, 2013 at 1:30 p.m., Reed appeared at his estranged wife’s Hempstead home and shot her several times with a semi-automatic firearm. When a member of the Hempstead Police Department responded to the residence, Reed fired at least two shots before the police officer retreated. A shootout ensued between Reed and additional police officers at the scene.

According to prosecutors, Reed fired additional shots at his wife, and then stabbed her repeatedly with a knife before surrendering to police.